Congressional Leaders Speak Out on Blackouts

ATVA applauds Rep. Ann Eshoo and Sen. Edward Markey for stepping forward to protect their constituents from CBS’ outrageous actions. We hope the FCC will take note of the many leaders and consumers that have called for action this week. We need retrans reform now.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren

“With this blackout entering its third week, it is obvious that the current state-of-affairs is unfair to consumers. It is time we reexamine whether our current laws offer the level of protection they deserve.” Read more

Rep. Michael Grimm

“…I am deeply concerned that withholding Intenet content by CBS is just a maneuver to advance its negotiation position. The households in my Congressional District who use TWC broadband, whether or not they also use TWC for their cable service, are denied access to CBS content on the Internet.” Read more

Rep. Jim McDermott

“As a member of Congress representing Seattle, the home of so many companies and institutions with an important stake in a free and open internet, I am troubled to see internet access being used as a weapon in a commercial contract dispute affecting television.” Read more

Rep. Grace Napolitano

“I am hopeful that CBS and Time Warner Cable can resolve their retransmission consent dispute soon. Time Warner Cable reaches over 105,000 homes and businesses throughout our 32nd congressional district, and consumers who pay their monthly cable bills to enjoy their programs of choice over TV or the Internet should have access to all shows.” Read more

Rep. Ann Eshoo

“It has been my long held belief that consumers should not be held hostage when retransmission disputes break down.” Read more

Sen. Edward Markey

“A consumer’s choice of cable television provider should not be tied to her ability to access Internet content that is freely available to other consumers.  In such instances, consumers lose their freedom to access the Internet content of their choice.  This is an anti-consumer result that I urge the Commission to investigate, and I encourage the Commission to actively defend Internet freedom and consumer rights.” Read more

Rep. Chris Gibson

“I appreciate the complicated nature of commercial negotiations and understand both parties are acting in good faith and on behalf of their subscribers and viewers. However, my concern is that consumers in my district are ultimately being harmed by this ongoing dispute.” Read more